Grays Split Two In Warmup To Hometown Seniors Tournament

The Payson Grays senior softball team tuned up for play in last weekend's inaugural Rim Country Invitational Champions Tournament by splitting a regular season doubleheader Thursday in Scottsdale against Good Times.

Despite pounding out 12 hits in the first game, the Grays lost 21-11. In the second game, however, the Rim seniors came roaring back to win a 15-13 nail-biter in eight innings.

After tying up the second game 13-13 in the top of the seventh, the Grays' defense held Good Time scoreless in the bottom of the frame to send the contest into an extra inning.

In the top of the eighth, the Grays' Dusty Wright reached first on a fielder's choice, Grays pitcher Ron Maksymowski said.

Next up, Fran Doering lifted a circuit blast over the right field fence, pushing Payson out to a two run lead.

But that was all the offense the Grays could muster, putting pressure on the Payson defense as Good Times came to bat in the bottom of the inning.

The come-from-behind effort gained steam when Good Times' leadoff hitter got aboard on a base hit. The next batter was retired on an infield grounder gloved by Ken Cheeseman. His throw to first baseman Ted Negri was high, but the Payson player made a fine defensive effort to pull the errant throw down for the out, Maksymowski said.

Two defensive gems by Dan Rebai and Wright on sharp fly balls ended the inning and preserved the win.

In the opening game loss, Good Times took the win despite committing eight errors, Maksymowski said.

The Grays were paced offensively by Walt Knasick's two home runs and a triple.

The Grays return to action April 14 at Rumsey Park against Fountain Hills Oasis.